The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has urged retired military personnel to support security efforts in their communities, assuring them of improved welfare and continued attention to their concerns.
Oluyede made the call on Friday, October 23, during an interactive session with Armed Forces veterans from the Southwest at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan.
He urged the veterans to remain actively involved in promoting peace and security in their respective communities while sustaining prayers for serving military personnel.
The CDS acknowledged the sacrifices made by retired officers and men in defending the country, assuring them that their contributions would not be forgotten.
He said the Federal Government remained committed to improving veterans’ welfare, pointing to the recent salary increase for serving personnel and the consequential adjustment of veterans’ pensions.
Oluyede noted that outstanding issues arising from the pension adjustment were being addressed.
As part of efforts to strengthen support for retired personnel, he disclosed plans to dedicate at least one hospital in each geopolitical zone to cater specifically for veterans’ medical needs.
According to him, data collation is ongoing, while necessary processes for implementing the initiative have reached advanced stages.
He also announced plans to introduce a low-interest loan scheme to enable veterans to establish businesses and pursue productive ventures after retirement.
The CDS further highlighted the Defence Headquarters Online Shop, established in partnership with Konga, as another initiative designed to ease the financial burden on serving personnel and veterans.
He said the military authorities were working to attract more major businesses to the scheme to provide discounted goods and services.
The engagement also provided an opportunity for veterans to raise concerns about their entitlements, welfare packages and administrative challenges.
The CDS addressed their questions, while the Chief of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim; Commandant of the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Air Vice Marshal NI Iloh; and Chairman of the Military Pensions Board, Major General JE Osifoh, provided additional clarifications.
In his remarks, the President of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers’ Association (RANAO), Major General HA Salihu (rtd), thanked the CDS for the engagement and encouraged veterans to embrace dialogue in resolving issues affecting them.
Also speaking, Major General AG Adewuyi (rtd), who delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the veterans, commended Oluyede for his sustained interest in veterans’ welfare and commitment to regular consultations.
Adewuyi also appreciated the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General Ahmed Mahmuda, for the hospitality extended to the veterans.
